If Bosnia is on your radar, you’ve likely read a lot about Sarajevo and a lot about Mostar. Which one to choose?
Well, the good news is you don’t have to, because the two cities are easy to connect. While I personally did not spend anytime in Sarajevo, I managed to get to Mostar after landing at Sarajevo airport fairly seamlessly thanks to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s efficient bus and train system. Here’s how to do it.
From Sarajevo Airport
I landed at Sarajevo somewhat cluelessly, thinking I’d just figure it out once I got there. Hey, what can I say? I’m a Type B traveler to the max. My commute required a bus from the airport, which was to be paid in cash (Bosnia’s local currency is the Mark), but the bus was able to take three euros, which I luckily had on me. If you don’t have euros or marks on you already, there are plenty of ATMs inside the airport.
To find the bus from Sarajevo airport, you need to exit and walk across the parking lot. There will be a road with a fence right next to it, separating the airport area from the outside world, and you can wait by the fence. If you’re lost, there’s a small coffee kiosk right outside the airport that can point you in the right direction.
Bus ride to the train station
Once you pay your 3 euros (about 6 Bosnian marks), you’ll ride the bus to Univerzitet. From there, you’ll need to walk about 10 minutes to the train station. Don’t worry, the roads are well-paved and there are sidewalks with plenty of space for you and your luggage.
Important: Check the train schedule
I arrived to the train station by 3 p.m., only to learn that the next train didn’t depart until 4:45 p.m. While you can’t control what time your flight gets in, check the schedule ahead of time so you can be prepared. You don’t need to buy tickets ahead of time, though you certainly can. I personally just walked right up to the ticket counter and purchased one, which costed 7 euros.
The train station is extremely desolate and the entire building feels abandoned. However, there are two cafes where you can grab coffee or alcohol, though there did not appear to be any food available. I had a glass of wine with some free peanuts while I waited, set up my laptop to get some work done (the WiFi was great), and simply waited for the train. The wine was only 3 euros a glass!
The train ride from Sarajevo to Mostar
To board the train, be prepared to walk up a few flights of stairs at the station. Once you board, there is space for your luggage in designated compartments. Seats are not assigned, and are comfortable enough that I was able to doze off for about 30 minutes. There is no WiFi on the train and the service is dodgy out in the Bosnian countryside, but luckily, the ride is beautiful as it takes you through the Balkans.
Arriving to Mostar
Once you reach the Mostar station, you can either walk to your accommodation or take a taxi. However, taxis weren’t exactly hanging out out front, so that’s something you’d likely have to arrange ahead of time. The walk to Old Town, which is where most people choose to stay in Mostar, was only 15 minutes and a straight shot. I walked at 7 p.m. when it was dark out, and though the walk was quiet, it felt totally safe.
Other Options
There is also a bus that leaves from Sarajevo station to Mostar two times a day. If you don’t want to rely on public transportation, you can arrange a private transfer via a taxi, but the cost will vary depending on the operator you go with. The average cost is 100 euros, as the ride is over two hours long.
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